lots of bipolar people self medicate with drugs or alcohol, but being a true addict can be more complicated to understand. Addict or not, it's not really healthy medication.

I knew a woman who used heroin to treat her anxiety...it worked but side effects weren't that great which is why it's better to use safe, healthier medication....IMO

Being productive...How do you define that? Raising a healthy baby could be considered very productive. A baby is extremely vulnerable in many ways, especially in brain development. They need safe, nurturing environments in order to become healthy.

I have tons of anxiety too and have had drug problems in the past but my pdoc gives me a benzo with my promise that I won't abuse them and I don't.

Is there a DBT group in your area?? It's Dialectical Bahvior Therapy that was initially started for people with borderline personality disorder but they are using it for many more reason now. I go once a week and it teaches you better coping skills and how to work through the anxiety too and much, much more.

There is also a drug called Buspar that is given for anxiety that is not addictive because it's not a benzo!! Maybe talk to the pdoc about adding this to you med cocktail???

Anxiety is a bitch and you have been using other ways to cope, ie drugs for a long time so it will take some time to learn other ways to cope. It can be done though!! DBT is work but it's worth it! I've been going since October and it's real good stuff!!

Check out this website too.....www.dbtselfhelp.com has some great info and videos you can watch when you find yourself overwhelmed etc.

ox

I was a using addict from age 11 until age 35 - in that time span I managed to grad hs and college have two kids and hold down a job then I had the mother of all melt downs and got clean.

I was clean 4 years when I was dx'd with a brain tumor and other fun physical shit and put on the disabled list.

Today I have been clean 14 years no longer hold down a job in the public sector (tho do do other things) and am ok with how life is

Keep plodding on you can do it

I was an addict from age 16 to 31 and NOW I am a recovering addict. I have a home group I do service in, I am GSR of my home group so I go to area meetings and I sit on the PR Subcommittee. Now matter how involved I am, I get anxious. Sometimes I get to anxious to go but I go. DBT Helped but I think its something that will never go away/

A lot of people on here talk about how much exercise helps their anxiety levels..x